There were no military parades for the 100th or 200th year anniversaries of the US, but there is one for the 250th. Why?

[ataraxia]

Donald Trump will be holding a military parade in DC for the 250th anniversary of the US (which, ahem, also "happens" to fall on his birthday). But there weren't any on the centennial or bicentennial anniversary. And there has been good reason for that (see posts below). This has been something only seen in places like Nazi Germany or Stalinist Soviet Union.

So, conservatives, tell me what part of American history are you trying to "conserve"? This is without precedent. We were told that conservatives have not moved position and just want to preserve culture, and it is only liberals who have become extremist. But this is unprecedented in American history. This is not about conserving anything- this is a new culture and way of doing things in this country which we have never had before.

You don't seem to be interested in conserving anything of America's values or culture. This is not "conservatism". This is something quite newfangled.

 

[NuffSaid]

You know why.

 

[ataraxia]

I asked ChatGPT about the 200th anniversary of the US. This is what it had to say:
____________________________________________________________________________

ME: Were there any military parades, especially in DC, for the 200th anniversay of the US?

ChatGPT said:​

Yes, there were military displays and celebrations for the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976, but there was no large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C. like the kind seen in other countries (e.g., Russia or France).

Here's what happened for the 1976 Bicentennial:​

• The main focus was on celebrating American heritage, democracy, and unity, rather than showcasing military power.
• Events were decentralized and occurred all over the country.
• In Washington, D.C., the centerpiece was "Operation Sail" (OpSail), which featured a grand parade of tall ships from around the world in New York Harbor, followed by a parade of naval vessels including U.S. and foreign military ships.
• On July 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford gave a speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and then traveled to Washington, D.C., where there were:
  
  • Fireworks
  • Patriotic concerts (e.g., on the National Mall)
  • Flyovers and some ceremonial military presence
• There were military bands and honor guards involved, but not a full-scale military parade with tanks or missiles—this was deliberately avoided to emphasize civil values over martial display.

Why no large military parade?​

• The tone of the Bicentennial was intended to be inclusive, democratic, and civic, rather than militaristic.
• The Vietnam War had ended just a year earlier (1975), and the public mood was wary of overt military demonstrations.
• Organizers wanted to celebrate American ideals, not intimidate or appear authoritarian.

In summary, while there was military participation in the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations—such as ships, bands, and flyovers—there was no formal military parade in Washington, D.C. like the kind some might expect today.

 

[ataraxia]

I also asked it about the 100th year anniversary, in 1876:
_________________________________________________

ME: Were there any such events in 1876, for the 100th anniversary?

ChatGPT said:​

In 1876, the Centennial of the United States, there were no major military parades in Washington, D.C., and the tone of the celebration—like in 1976—focused more on national progress, industry, and unity than on military power. The biggest commemorative event was not in the capital but in Philadelphia.

Key details about the 1876 Centennial:​

​

• Held from May to November 1876 in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
• It was the first official World's Fair held in the United States.
• Opened by President Ulysses S. Grant and Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil.
• Focused on industry, innovation, agriculture, and arts.
• Showcased inventions like Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and the Corliss steam engine.

​

• The main national event occurred in Philadelphia, not Washington.
• Included:
  
  • Patriotic speeches (e.g., by Senator William M. Evarts and others).
  • Parades with civic groups, veterans of the Civil War, and local militia units.
  • Public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Some military presence, but not a grand military parade by today’s standards.
• Washington, D.C. held its own celebrations, but they were more modest and local—church services, fireworks, and civic gatherings.

Historical Context:​

• The U.S. was still recovering from the Civil War (ended in 1865), and Reconstruction was ongoing.
• There was no desire to overly militarize the Centennial—celebrations emphasized healing and progress, not power projection.
• The U.S. military was relatively small at the time, mostly involved in western frontier operations.

---

Summary:​

No major military parade was held in Washington, D.C., in 1876 for the U.S. Centennial. The largest events were centered in Philadelphia, with the Centennial Exposition and civic parades, but military displays were minor and largely ceremonial—focused more on honoring the past (especially Civil War veterans) than showing military strength.

 

[Eriech]

Donald Trump will be holding a military parade in DC for the 250th anniversary of the US (which, ahem, also "happens" to fall on his birthday). But there weren't any on the centennial or bicentennial anniversary. And there has been good reason for that (see posts below). This has been something only seen in places like Nazi Germany or Stalinist Soviet Union.

So, conservatives, tell me what part of American history are you trying to "conserve"? This is without precedent. We were told that conservatives have not moved position and just want to preserve culture, and it is only liberals who have become extremist. But this is unprecedented in American history. This is not about conserving anything- this is a new culture and way of doing things in this country which we have never had before.

You don't seem to be interested in conserving anything of America's values or culture. This is not "conservatism". This is something quite newfangled.

Saturday is the 250 birthday of the Army, Flag Day. Next year we will be celebrating 250 of the country.
I do not remember the 100th but during the 200th Jimmy Carter was president, the country and military were recovering from the Veitnam War. Malaise described the time.
Vivid memories of watching the tall ships and fireworkes that year even on our small black and white TV we had upta camp. During the Carter years mandatory draft registration was a flash point for protest.

 

[ataraxia]

Saturday is the 250 birthday of the Army, Flag Day. Next year we will be celebrating 250 of the country.
I do not remember the 100th but during the 200th Jimmy Carter was president, the country and military were recovering from the Veitnam War. Malaise described the time.
Vivid memories of watching the tall ships and fireworkes that year even on our small black and white TV we had upta camp. During the Carter years mandatory draft registration was a flash point for protest.

As ChatGPT said, “The tone of the Bicentennial was intended to be inclusive, democratic, and civic, rather than militaristic.”

So why the emphasis on the militaristic tone this year? Is that because we are more unified and less polarized than ever, and so this will not send the wrong message?

This is unprecedented in American history.

 

[Eriech]

As ChatGPT said, “The tone of the Bicentennial was intended to be inclusive, democratic, and civic, rather than militaristic.”

So why the emphasis on the militaristic tone this year? Is that because we are more unified and less polarized than ever, and so this will not send the wrong message?

This is unprecedented in American history.

How would you do a celebration of the Army's 250 birthday? Rename Flag day the National Day of inclusion?
The bicentennial is next year.

 

[Bucky]

Donald Trump will be holding a military parade in DC for the 250th anniversary of the US (which, ahem, also "happens" to fall on his birthday). But there weren't any on the centennial or bicentennial anniversary. And there has been good reason for that (see posts below). This has been something only seen in places like Nazi Germany or Stalinist Soviet Union.

So, conservatives, tell me what part of American history are you trying to "conserve"? This is without precedent. We were told that conservatives have not moved position and just want to preserve culture, and it is only liberals who have become extremist. But this is unprecedented in American history. This is not about conserving anything- this is a new culture and way of doing things in this country which we have never had before.

You don't seem to be interested in conserving anything of America's values or culture. This is not "conservatism". This is something quite newfangled.

It's time to create new history.

It’s a moment to honor a street-fighter president whose unapologetic grit mirrors the defiance of 1776, not just to America’s birth but to a leader who thrives in the arena, taking punches and swinging back harder.

Let’s embrace the chaos. The 250th anniversary demands something bold, something that screams American exceptionalism. A parade honoring both the nation’s birth and its most combative modern leader isn’t just a celebration: it’s a battle cry for the next 250 years. Bring on the marching band, the flyovers, and the unapologetic swagger. It’s Trump’s day, America’s day, and the perfect moment to remind the world what a street fighter’s spirit can do.

 

[ataraxia]

It's time to create new history.

It’s a moment to honor a street-fighter president whose unapologetic grit mirrors the defiance of 1776, not just to America’s birth but to a leader who thrives in the arena, taking punches and swinging back harder.

Let’s embrace the chaos. The 250th anniversary demands something bold, something that screams American exceptionalism. A parade honoring both the nation’s birth and its most combative modern leader isn’t just a celebration: it’s a battle cry for the next 250 years. Bring on the marching band, the flyovers, and the unapologetic swagger. It’s Trump’s day, America’s day, and the perfect moment to remind the world what a street fighter’s spirit can do.

So how is all that different than fascist Germany? (taking pride in your cultural identity and degrading everyone else, crushing your ideological opponents, threatening to invade surrounding countries, wanting to return to some imagined glorious past, etc...)?

Donald? Is that you?

 

[ataraxia]

How would you do a celebration of the Army's 250 birthday? Rename Flag day the National Day of inclusion?
The bicentennial is next year.

Same way it's always been done 'round these parts.

 

[Bucky]

So how is all that different than fascist Germany? (taking pride in your cultural identity and degrading everyone else, crushing your ideological opponents, threatening to invade surrounding countries, wanting to return to some imagined glorious past, etc...)?

Donald? Is that you?

View attachment 67574123

The complaints and crybabies... blah, blah, blah. It's from the same crowd that’s been softening America’s spine for decades. A military parade on this historic day isn’t just fitting, it's a call to remember what makes America FIERCE.

 

[BirdinHand]

We have a small man with a need to feed his ego in office.

Who will spend tens of millions of dollars on a parade


That benefits no one.

 

[BirdinHand]

The complaints and crybabies... blah, blah, blah. It's from the same crowd that’s been softening America’s spine for decades. A military parade on this historic day isn’t just fitting, it's a call to remember what makes America FIERCE.

If you’re truly strong, you don’t need to flaunt it.

 

[Bucky]

We have a small man with a need to feed his ego in office.

Who will spend tens of millions of dollars on a parade


That benefits no one.

What's the alternative?

Timid politicians who let America get walked over. Trump’s critics call him brash, but that’s the point—greatness isn’t won with handshakes and platitudes. It’s won in the dirt, with grit and guts. Trump’s street-fighter style—unapologetic, unrelenting, unafraid—isn’t just necessary; it’s the only way to rebuild a nation that’s been knocked down too long.

He’s the guy in the ring for America, and he’s not stopping until the job’s done.

 

[Simpletruther]

So how is all that different than fascist Germany? (taking pride in your cultural identity and degrading everyone else, crushing your ideological opponents, threatening to invade surrounding countries, wanting to return to some imagined glorious past, etc...)?

Donald? Is that you?

View attachment 67574123

What about france?

 

[ataraxia]

What about france?

We've never done it like this before. You are not conserving American culture or tradition- this is just changing it into something completely newfangled and unrecognizable.

 

[Simpletruther]

We've never done it like this before. You are not conserving American culture or tradition- this is just changing it into something completely newfangled and unrecognizable.

But is France being fascist?

 

[Bucky]

We've never done it like this before. You are not conserving American culture or tradition- this is just changing it into something completely newfangled and unrecognizable.

We have celebrated MLK Day even on June 19th.

 

[Eriech]

Same way it's always been done 'round these parts.

250th doesn't call for a special celebration? The way it was always done is one reason recruitment was down during Biden. Some are celebration pride MONTH. We are going to spend a year honoring our service men and women and those who made our country great. Saturday, Flag Day, the Army's birthday is day 1.

 

[BirdinHand]

What's the alternative?

Timid politicians who let America get walked over. Trump’s critics call him brash, but that’s the point—greatness isn’t won with handshakes and platitudes. It’s won in the dirt, with grit and guts. Trump’s street-fighter style—unapologetic, unrelenting, unafraid—isn’t just necessary; it’s the only way to rebuild a nation that’s been knocked down too long.

He’s the guy in the ring for America, and he’s not stopping until the job’s done.

This post is truly delusional.

 

[ataraxia]

But is France being fascist?

No, not now. But they have a history and culture (Napoleon, after all, crowned himself emperor). The message being sent with something like this is not American. There is a reason America has not had these in the past.

Are you OK with this unprecedented new face of America? Which culture and tradition are you trying to "conserve"?

Is Trump going to crown himself emperor too now?

 

[ataraxia]

isn’t just necessary; it’s the only way to rebuild a nation that’s been knocked down too long.

How exactly has American been knocked down too long?

I don't think it's "America" you are talking about....

 

[Helix]

In fascist dictatorships, military parades come standard. I would have preferred power windows and factory air, but no one asked me.

 

[Nickyjo]

It's time to create new history.

It’s a moment to honor a street-fighter president whose unapologetic grit mirrors the defiance of 1776, not just to America’s birth but to a leader who thrives in the arena, taking punches and swinging back harder.

Let’s embrace the chaos. The 250th anniversary demands something bold, something that screams American exceptionalism. A parade honoring both the nation’s birth and its most combative modern leader isn’t just a celebration: it’s a battle cry for the next 250 years. Bring on the marching band, the flyovers, and the unapologetic swagger. It’s Trump’s day, America’s day, and the perfect moment to remind the world what a street fighter’s spirit can do.

Good points. Brought to mind “German exceptionalism” of 90 years ago. US uber alles.

 

[Simpletruther]

No, not now. But they have a history and culture (Napoleon, after all, crowned himself emperor). The message being sent with something like this is not American. There is a reason America has not had these in the past.

Are you OK with this unprecedented new face of America? Which culture and tradition are you trying to "conserve"?

Is Trump going to crown himself emperor too now?

View attachment 67574132

Seems little paranoid